Dracul
Master sergeant
Posts: 1,341
|
Post by Dracul on Jun 23, 2018 2:21:13 GMT -5
Sorry I dropped off randomly. I just kind of backed out because most of the team went their separate ways and I had shifted focus in life. Even felt a bit discouraged, and lost interest a bit after awhile.
I'm easing back into here, but I won't be full throttle as I was before. I missed being on here and seeing all the good ideas.
Since I left, I gotten deep into 3D printing rabbit and I now even have an etsy shop and offer printing services. I know I had some big ideas before relating to it... looking back it seemed foolish since I was still new. However, I learned a lot and feel real confident knowing what 3D printing can and cannot do. When I get a some extra cash, I want to try a few things.
Some of you might know this from FB, but I will be moving to Vegas in a few years. I'll try to make at least one more big NE event while still here.
Good to be back.
|
|
2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
|
Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 23, 2018 16:59:24 GMT -5
Great to have you back!
|
|
|
Post by volkssturm on Jun 24, 2018 11:29:44 GMT -5
Yes, welcome back. Interesting about the 3D printing. Looking forward to hearing more about it.
|
|
2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
|
Post by 2nd Bat on Jun 24, 2018 13:53:58 GMT -5
Our member doing the G43 and FJ is way beyond where he needs to be to offer conversion kits for those two guns (especially the G43). I admire that he wants excellence in replication and a perfectly seamless build design but fear that will result in no such kits ever being available. The 3D printed bit for a passable adaptation to build Kar98s, Enfields and Arisakas seems very doable and would make for a simple assembly project. Not knowing what the materials costs would be and knowing what a quality 3D printer runs the risk is just too great for me to take the plunge. Even with a 100% markup over and above costs it would take quite a while to cover the cost of the printer.
With enough offerings, sales could be quite robust. I really hope someone takes this on.
|
|
Dracul
Master sergeant
Posts: 1,341
|
Post by Dracul on Jun 24, 2018 18:46:06 GMT -5
My opinion so far on 3D printing airsoft part is this, and I'll try to keep in layman terms: I think its very doable. I've seen others do it, and even part of a FB group dedicated to just 3D printing and airsoft. Personally, I've been finding that co-polyester materials prints strong enough to withstand drops and crashes. Especially with something else to act a "spine" to the print. Something like metal or wooden rods add a lot of strength to a print and even larger prints that require multiple pieces that are printed on multiple printers. Small part wise, I have faith in barrel bands, sights (weapon dependent), and butt stock covers. I have faith in larger parts like hand guards and stock extensions for VSR-10s and M14s.
Now, my modeling and engineering skills are mediocre at best, and I'm still learning. I have learned a lot doing my work for costuming/cosplaying and props. I'm willing to try out some things, but I feel I can tackle the add-ons for Garands and Hairy-Apple style conversions. Namely Springfields, Kar98s, and Enfields (SMLE and No.4), I'd be afraid for Arisakas and Mosins due to how thin those rifles are. I know some people can model custom airsoft mags, so I eventually want to commissions them to make ones that we commonly need M14/Garand, StG, etc.
I don't want to promise anything grandiose, like I did in the past, so I'll say now that any advance by me will take awhile. Especially since I have my own shop I'm running and expanding on.
I can also say with confidence, that costs would be a good fraction of real steel parts, and at least more consistent. I can't make sure filament stays the same price, but it doesn't fluctuate as much as these old gun bits do. "Cheap" is really dependent from person to person, so I rather not call it that or promise that.
While I can suggest 3D printing as a hobby, going as deep as modeling and selling takes awhile and a lot of monetary and time loss from failed prints and modeling mistakes. And you are going to have failed prints and make mistakes. Its legitimately nature of the b e a s t. Doing what I do isn't something for every one. Truth be told, I don't think I'm going to be able to recoup all the money I put into my printers for a real long time. Especially since I still want more printers after I move and new advancements in printer electronics and add-ons are coming out constantly. Luckily the filament pays for itself when you sell prints, haha.
I'll show off some WWII props and replicas I've printed for the hell of it in a day or so. I can offer WWII non-firing replicas and props no problem though!
|
|
Dracul
Master sergeant
Posts: 1,341
|
Post by Dracul on Jun 25, 2018 22:25:18 GMT -5
Here are some of the props/replicas I've printed off recently. These really don't have a place in WWII airsofting, sans maybe just acting as "stage props" to decorate like tents and such. Luger P-08: A very high detailed StG-44 model, was very impressed by it. Shoei StG for comparison: 1911 and P38: German Stick Grenade. Sometimes I have to wonder if the people who model these things actually look at the real life measurements: Finally, a low-quality Stahlhelm, that I guess was based off the M35.....? I just printed the stahlhelm for the hell of it. I didn't realize it would be so angular. Would need a lot of sanding or a helmet cover. The model wasn't detailed either, so I made some calculated guesses as to where the holes and bumps were and modeled them in myself (that lower hole is intended for chin strap). The printer had some leveling problems, too (still need to fix), hence those thick gaps. Yeah, there no reason to print it, haha. If I were to print it for Airsoft use, it would lie between the cheap plastic costume M16 stahlhelms and janky-looking Chinese repros on the spectrum. Actually, to be honest, I feel that if you go any lower than the Chinese repros, just drop down to the plastic M16 helms. Cost wise is between those two, too, and I'd feel the only reason to print any helmet is for those rarer or more expensive repros out there (considering there is already a model of it online or you have the skills to model it yourself). If anything here actually has airsoft use, its the stick grenades maybe. I'd definitely resize it to the proper size first, but maybe they can be done with wood dowels and the warhead and bottom screw cap be printed. The cap and warhead alone couldn't be anymore than $10 by together. If entirely printed, one single one wouldn't be more than $20. Although, I can't guarantee those colors in the stronger and heat resistant materials, but it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to do a quick paint job (maybe sell the rough prints and the full painted ones).
|
|
|
Post by joninsoldier on Jul 20, 2018 11:15:52 GMT -5
ive always had this idea to use 3d printed guns especially german pistols as "war trophies" in WW2 events as per american GIs took lugers and P38s off german prisioners.
|
|
2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
|
Post by 2nd Bat on Jul 23, 2018 13:08:18 GMT -5
The Helmet would definitely need some TLC but would in my opinion be passable with your helmet covers. The MP44 shows size wise whats possible. There was a time back when there was no reasonably priced STG 44 some mklded parts were slapped onto AKs by a UK company for a pseudo look.
I know its tiny and really really challenging but a quality looking carbine AEG would sure be awesome. Our Canadian member continues to make progress on his G43 and FJ 42.
|
|
|
I'm back!
Jul 27, 2018 15:52:40 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by CPL. Mills 2nd Rangers on Jul 27, 2018 15:52:40 GMT -5
Those look like some good 3d prints, it's good to have you back!
|
|
Dracul
Master sergeant
Posts: 1,341
|
Post by Dracul on Feb 5, 2019 13:27:10 GMT -5
Again, I had to drop off, sucks as I was just getting back into it. Life just took some really nasty turns last summer and I'm only now in a decent spot again. I'm here and I'll try to remain active, unfortunately, I cannot continue any 3D printing projects and ideas I talked about before. My printing side business is taking off and I need to focus most of my attention to it, keeping the flow going, and of growing it even further.
|
|
2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
|
Post by 2nd Bat on Feb 15, 2019 0:56:38 GMT -5
Awesome to have you back participating.
|
|